Observation: Days Fork

Observation Date
3/30/2023
Observer Name
Torrey
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Days Fork
Location Name or Route
Days Fork
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Snow showers most of the morning. Heavy at times. Winds were calm below the ridge top until early afternoon when they started to pick up and drift snow lower in the drainage.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
11"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Low density snow right side up. A distinct layer of dust is present below the new snow, likely from strong winds on 3/29.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Snow Profile
Aspect
East
Elevation
9,500'
Slope Angle
30°
Comments
We didn't observe any obvious signs of unstable snow today such as collapsing or shooting cracks. An Extended Column Test produced propagating results on 2 layers, 20 inches and 40 inches below the surface. The layer 20 inches below failed within the recent storm snow. The deeper layer failed on decomposing grains with rounding facets mixed in. This may not be a "persistent" weak layer but still a relatively weak layer within the snowpack. A large natural avalanche higher up in the drainage broke several feet deep and may have failed on this layer.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
None
Coordinates